Poorest Country in the World – Top 10 List of Nations from Africa

The article is about the poorest country in the world and it also lists the name of other world’s poorest countries. There are many rich nations in the world which are well-developed and industrialized. On the other hand, there are poor countries which are highly underdeveloped and poverty-stricken since centuries. All of these top ten countries are from the continent of Africa.

List of Top 10 Poorest African Countries

Source: Global Finance Magazine.

#1) Democratic Republic of Congo – The Poorest Country in the World

GDP (PPP) per Capita: $364.48

Capital: Kinshasa

Lying in the center of Africa, citizens of the Democratic Republic of Congo are the poorest people in the world. Its GDP is around $15 Billion and when compared to its 67 million inhabitants, its per capita income is the lowest in the world. The economy of this country depends mainly on agriculture. Agriculture contributes nearly 65% to its output and employs more than half of the labor force. According to some estimates, this country has some of the largest deposits of minerals which amount to $24 trillions. Second Congo War since 1998 has devastated the country and has hampered its growth.

#2) Liberia

GDP (PPP) per Capita: $490.41

Capital: Monrovia

With a population around 4 million, Liberia is one of the few countries in Africa where English is the official language. With a GDP of around $2 billion, Liberia ranks second on our list. Very small GDP when compared to its population, make Liberia one of the most backward nations on Earth. This African nation has been plagued with civil wars which has destroyed its infrastructure. It relies on Forests products, minerals and agriculture for revenues.

#3) Zimbabwe

GDP (PPP) per Capita: $516.47

Capital: Harare

High population and a very low GDP make Zimbabwe the third poorest country, not only in Africa but also in the world. This African country was once affected by hyper-inflation due to its faulty economic policies. Located in Southern Africa, its involvement in Congo Wars drained million dollars of the government’s money. Its decision to print more money notes few years back, backfired and gave rise to hyper-inflation which was unheard of since decades. The condition of the economy deteriorated like hell and looked as if it is a post-war country.

#4) Burundi – One of the World’s Poorest Countries

GDP (PPP) per Capita: $639.51

Capital: Bujumbura

Another African country, Burundi is a landlocked country located in the African continent. It is fourth in this list and Its economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and tea-coffee exports contribute to its small wealth. This poverty-stricken nation is home to significant deposits of Cobalt and Copper. Majority of the population is too poor to afford basic amenities. The government is likely to be blamed and absence of any natural resources too.

#5) Eritrea

GDP (PPP) per Capita: $776.98

Capital: Asmara

Sharing its borders with Sudan and Ethiopia, Eritrea is an agricultural country. The majority of its population does farming related activities. This world’s poorest country has a poor transport network along with a short supply of electricity. It shares its sea borders with Saudi Arabia and Yemen. Its capital is Asmar and a lot of its citizens migrate to Gulf countries in search of jobs and a better life. However, due to strict policies they don’t get citizenship.

#6) Central African Republic

GDP (PPP) per Capita: $789.21

Capital: Bangui

Central African Republic (CAR) is another moneyless nation on Earth. It occupies the sixth spot on the list of top 10 poorest countries. Like other African countries, agriculture is the backbone of this country’s economy. It relies on foreign aid from international community, especially from France. In the year 2012, the World Bank issued $125 million for development of the transport network and regional trade.

#7) Niger

GDP (PPP) per Capita: $863.46

Capital: Niamey

Its per capita income is marginally greater than Malawi. It lies on the continent of Africa. It is plagued with problems of poor sanitation and shortage of basic amenities. In contrast to its poverty, this nation is home to some of the largest deposits of Uranium in the world. According to the CIA, agriculture provides livelihood to about 90% of its citizens. Not to be confused with the nation of Nigeria, it has a far less population compared to Nigeria. Its population is majority Muslim. Southern part of Niger shares a major part of its boundary with Nigeria.

#8) Malawi

GDP (PPP) per Capita: $882.67

Capital: Lilongwe

A small country, Malawi has a small land area and comparatively big population. It is a landlocked country and highly densely populated. It has a high poverty rate, poor education rates, a weak legal system, a poor transportation network, overburdened utilities, and low administrative capacity. Once a British colony, it has a rich cuisine, which is famous over other parts of Africa. It’s composed of different ethnic groups and a lack of education makes it one of the least developed countries in the world.

#9) Togo

GDP (PPP) per Capita: $926.67

Capital: Lome

Lying in Western Africa, Togo is officially known as Togolese Republic. It has a favorable climate for agriculture which supports the majority of its inhabitants. It relies on foreign aid from other countries and World Bank. Once a French colony, Togo was one of the last countries to receive independence in the second half of the twentieth century. This nation is backed by the International Monetary Fund for its further development and improvement of life of its citizens.

#10) Madagascar – Another Poor African Country

GDP (PPP) per Capita: $948.86

Capital: Antananarivo

Lying in the Indian Ocean is the country of Madagascar. It is located near the South Easter African coast and it is an island. It has a very low standard of living. Leaving the path of Socialism, it followed the guidelines of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). In making it a privatized and liberalized country. Since then, it has recorded a slow economic growth. It was once a French colony and thus French is one of mainly spoken languages of this island. Malagasy is the largest spoken language. Tourism gives much of the dollars to this nation for its working and development.

For a list of top 5, top 10, top 20, top 50 or top 100 poorest countries in 2013, visit here. Also, see poorest countries in the world by the CIA.